21 May 1904

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is founded in Paris.

Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is the international governing body for the sport of soccer, or football as it is known in many parts of the world. FIFA was founded on May 21, 1904, and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.

FIFA’s primary role is to oversee and regulate international soccer competitions and to promote the development and growth of the sport globally. It is responsible for organizing and managing major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, which is held every four years and is the most prestigious competition in international soccer.

FIFA establishes and enforces the rules of the game through its rule-making body known as the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The organization also ensures that these rules are followed by teams, players, and officials in international matches.

In addition to organizing the World Cup, FIFA is involved in various other competitions at different levels, including regional tournaments like the UEFA European Championship, the Copa America, and the Africa Cup of Nations. FIFA also organizes youth tournaments, such as the FIFA U-20 World Cup and the FIFA U-17 World Cup, to foster the development of young players.

FIFA is composed of member associations from around the world, representing over 211 national football federations. Each member association has the right to participate in FIFA’s competitions and vote on matters related to the organization’s governance. The president of FIFA is elected by the member associations and serves as the head of the organization.

Apart from its role in organizing competitions, FIFA is involved in promoting the sport globally and supporting its development in various countries. It provides financial assistance and technical support to its member associations to improve infrastructure, coaching, and grassroots programs.

However, FIFA has also faced controversies and allegations of corruption and unethical behavior in the past. Several high-ranking officials have been indicted on charges of bribery and corruption, leading to reforms within the organization to improve transparency and governance.

Overall, FIFA plays a crucial role in shaping international soccer and is responsible for promoting the sport, organizing major tournaments, and ensuring the integrity of the game at the global level.